My Music Staff Features
Sunday, December 10, 2023 by Elana Segal | Music Lessons
Getting started with My Music Staff:
- Setup your portal. Each student/parent will have access to a personal MMS Portal to view lesson assignments, reschedule lessons, track progress and more.
- Sync the lesson schedule to your preferred calendar. Go to "Calendar" » "Options" » "Sync Calendar".
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Setup lesson reminders via email or text message through “Profile Settings” in your portal.
- Attendance and lesson notes will be taken at the end of each lesson and will be available for view in the student/parent lesson portal.
- If you need to cancel/reschedule a lesson, visit the calendar. Find the lesson you wish to cancel. Click the lesson, then “cancel lesson”. MMS will issue you a “makeup credit”. You can then pick any open lesson spot to reschedule your lesson.
What to Expect from Private Music Lessons
Sunday, June 18, 2023 by Elana Segal | Music Lessons
If you are new to music lessons, here are general expectations for the six months of lessons:
What to expect in your first lesson:
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Learn the parts of the your instrument
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Learn to assemble and care for your instrument
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Learn to read music notation, including rhythms and pitches
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Create a sound on your instrument
What to expect in your first month of lessons:
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Continue to learn music notation
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Create more sounds (pitches) on your instrument
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Play with great posture and embouchure
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Play simple songs and exercises from your method books
What to expect from 6 months of lessons:
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Expand the range of notes (pitches) you can play
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Incorporate dynamics (loud/soft sounds) into your music
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Learn songs with more complex rhythms
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Have a daily practice routine of warmups, scales, technical exercises and songs
What to expect for transfer students:
Transfer students are students switching from another private teacher.
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Evaluation of current skills
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Discuss goals for lessons
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Review materials, scales, repertoire, etc.
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Create a plan for future lessons moving forward
I would love to hear from you! What are your questions about private music lessons?
Recital Preparation Tips
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 by Elana Segal | Music Lessons
How to prepare for an upcoming performance:
- Run through your recital piece(s) everyday
- Spot check difficult sections of your piece(s)
- Practice your piece slowly, 50% of the goal tempo
- Practice with a backing track if applicable
- Practice standing up and in your recital clothes
- Record yourself and listen back
- Perform for your family/friends
- Listen to professional recordings of your piece
- Research the composer of your piece
Day of reminders:
- Day of warmup - long tones, articulation, tune
- Keep extra reeds, mouthpiece cap, cleaning swab and other accessories with you
- Bring a water bottle, it's important to stay hydrated!
- Bring your sheet music!
- A music stand and accompaniment will be provided
Performance Order/Introduction:
- Introduce yourself : "My name is _______, I will be performing _______ by ______."
- Perform your piece!
- Bow, take your music and return to your seat